Editor’s Note: This is another article from our pre-magazine archive. When we came across it, we thought it would fit beautifully as a reminder of the “Flat Earth” piece from last month, as well as our interview with John Crowder released the same week. In that podcast episode, we discussed the message of freedom John and others brought in 2010 with such clarity and conviction. This is a very simple piece but it expresses the same life-giving message … Enjoy!
The faith that’s been handed down to us contains a simplicity that even children can grasp. The gospel of grace does not leave us in confusion, disillusionment, or self-critical introspection. It leaves us free.
We don’t have to struggle with sin anymore because we can begin to trust our sinful nature was nailed to the cross with Christ. When we accept the simplicity of this with child-like faith, we realize we don’t have to struggle with sin anymore.
Anxiety and depression are two ailments with which many in our generation struggle. But what exactly is anxiety and depression?
Anxiety is “distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune.”
Anxiety is simply what the ancients called fear and we would do well to start believing Christ’s work on the cross was powerful enough to rip it apart. It is utter foolishness to take “anxiety” and keep it away from the work of the cross. It does not get to stay in some nice category of “mental health” that is insulated from what Jesus accomplished.
The cross destroyed your anxiety. Let the Holy Spirit convince you of this again and again. The Spirit guides us into all truth.
Here’s the definition of depression: “A condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal; sadness greater and more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason.”
Again, depression isn’t some elusive thing that has no solution other than medications, drugs and alcohol, or merely accepting it as a lifelong illness to cope with. God is a Father who saw our struggles and did something about it. He sent His Son and took our fallen condition – including anxiety and depression included. He took it upon the body of Jesus and crucified it, burying it as well, then raising us up into a new and free life. This is the gift of grace. Sink into it. Relax in His easy yoke. You can’t escape this truth …. you can only fight it in your own efforts.
Your true nature is to be content and have simple joy in the love of the Father, Son, and Spirit. His perfect love casts out fear. Throw all your anxieties to Him, for He cares for you. You don’t have to struggle with sin anymore!